We’re right in the thick of Hollywood’s busiest time — awards season. Even though all the red carpets and black-tie events are strictly for Tinseltown’s elite, there are still places in the city where you can get the same star treatment — well, minus all of the flashing bulbs. Our editors found five ultra-luxe places around L.A. that treat everyday people like A-listers. Read on to meet this year’s nominees.
Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel
It doesn’t get much more Hollywood than this. Perched on the Walk of Fame across from Grauman’s Chinese Theater, the sleek, modern Roosevelt Hotel hosted the first-ever Academy Awards ceremony. It’s also where starlet Marilyn Monroe lived for two years when launching her modeling career. Get a taste of Old Hollywood glamour when you book the Hollywood Roosevelt’s Marilyn Monroe Package. You’ll be treated to a bottle of Piper-Heidsieck Champagne and chocolate truffles, two reserved lounge chairs at the legendary pool, breakfast on your balcony and unlimited access to in-room movies (including Monroe classics The Seven Year Itch and Gentlemen Prefer Blondes). While you’re relishing in these timeless flicks, channel your inner celeb with two complimentary Marilyn Monroe cocktails—a nod to the star’s drink of choice—made with Laird’s Applejack whiskey and a splash of champagne and grenadine.
The Peninsula Beverly Hills
Head to the Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star hotel to primp and be pampered like a star. The Peninsula Beverly Hills’ Red Carpet-Ready Experience gives you the opportunity to get gussied up and photographed for fun—without the stress of an actual awards ceremony. A professional stylist will come to your room for hair and makeup, and The Peninsula’s Henri J. Sillam boutique will loan precious jewels to model during the shoot. Once you’re camera-ready, photographer Ryan Forbes—whose work has appeared in Town & Country and Elle Décor—will snap various pictures of you throughout the property, including in The Roof Garden and in the hotel’s see-and-be-seen Living Room. A week later, you’ll receive your proofs and can choose two 8-inch x 10-inch color portraits.
Montage Beverly Hills
Being a celeb means having a personal stylist, which is exactly what you’ll get with a stay at Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Montage Beverly Hills hotel. Joseph Katz, best known for his contributions to various media outlets including In Touch and Life & Style magazines, joined the Montage Beverly Hills team last year as the hotel’s in-house stylist. During your stay, you can book Katz’s services—whether it’s to join you on a shopping trip, to help with personal styling for a special event or with planning your clothes for an upcoming trip. Katz typically begins his sessions with guests over coffee in Montage’s Parq Bar, and lunch is often spent at The Conservatory Grill. Rodeo Drive is just steps from the hotel, giving Katz easy access to fabulous shopping at designer boutiques such as Christian Dior, Dolce & Gabbana, Chanel and Hermès.
Hotel Bel-Air
The glamorous Hotel Bel-Air tucked in the secluded Bel-Air Estates neighborhood is a lesson in refinement. During Hollywood’s awards season, the swanky spot is offering special cocktails for its guests that are aptly named for various star-studded events. Order up The Red Carpet, which is made with Ketel One Citroen vodka, Cointreau, lemon juice, simple syrup and topped off with a splash of raspberry purée; or opt for the Best Dressed, concocted with Skyy Citrus vodka, Cointreau, lime juice, passion fruit purée and cranberry juice. Although you may not be able to experience the awards shows firsthand, you can stop by The Bar at Hotel Bel-Air for small plates by chef and Forbes Travel Guide Wolfgang Puck, who creates dishes inspired by those served at this season’s A-list parties—Puck has been the go-to chef for these high-profile events for almost two decades.
The Beverly Hills Hotel
The iconic Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Beverly Hills Hotel on Sunset Boulevard has served as the backdrop for countless Hollywood moments stretching all the way back to 1912, so it’s no surprise that the property will play host to some special happenings during awards season. Post up at the hotel’s legendary Polo Lounge during the shows and celebrate with a magnum of 1985 Veuve Clicquot Vintage Reserve (commemorating this year’s 85th Academy Awards), or drink The Envelope Please, a specialty cocktail that’s made with Karlsson’s Gold vodka, peach-honey syrup, fresh squeezed lemon juice and Moët & Chandon Imperial—the official Champagne of the Oscars. If you’re traveling with the kids in tow, book the Little Legends Package. Youngsters will have their photo snapped on the hotel’s step and repeat and receive a personalized chocolate amenity, Little Legends T-shirt, an ice cream sundae or milkshake from the Fountain Coffee Room, and a V.V.I.P Beverly Hills Hotel card to use for sodas and juices around the resort.
Photos Courtesy of Montage Beverly Hills, Thompson Hotels, Hotel Bel-Air and Beverly Hills Hotel
